Pilots reject BA airline deal at Gatwick

BRITISH AIRWAYS faces a setback over its plans to launch a shorthaul airline at Gatwick after talks on pilots’ pay broke down.

Pilots represented by the Balpa union had opened a vote this month on proposed contracts for around 160 pilots who could be employed by BA’s new airline from next summer.

But last night Balpa said it had withdrawn its support for the deal because BA had ‘refused to produce a satisfactory employment contract’ for pilots. BA captains at Gatwick typically earn around £100,000 a year and First Officers earn around £50,000.

As part of cost-saving moves by BA, they are being asked to agree to flexible contracts that are expected to see pilots working part-time or on a seasonal basis. BA boss Sean Doyle warned this month that the airline could sell its short-haul take-off and landing slots at Gatwick if it cannot agree a deal with unions.

BA said it remains ‘committed to dialogue with all interested parties’.